

Make tethered caps mandatory for US water bottles


Make tethered caps mandatory for US water bottles
The Issue
In the United States, plastic waste is a growing environmental issue that affects our oceans, wildlife, and communities. Among the sources of this waste, plastic bottle caps are particularly problematic. They are small, lightweight, and often end up in landfills or worse, in our natural habitats. To combat this, we are calling for legislation that makes it mandatory for all water bottle companies in the US to use tethered caps on their products.
The advantage of tethered caps is clear: they remain attached to the bottle, which significantly reduces the chances of them being littered separately. According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic bottle caps rank as the third most common item found in beach cleanups globally. By implementing tethered caps, we can drastically reduce the number of caps polluting our environment.
Countries like the United Kingdom and members of the European Union have already taken steps towards this by making tethered caps a requirement. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic waste and combat climate change. Adopting such practices would not only place the US alongside these leaders in sustainability but also foster a healthier environment for future generations.
Moreover, tethered caps provide the added benefit of convenience for consumers as it prevents them from losing their bottle caps during activities, promoting a culture of reuse and responsibility.
We urge policymakers to adopt this important measure to help curb the environmental impact of disposable plastics. Your support and signature can make a difference. Let’s push for this necessary change and act together for a cleaner, safer future.
Sign this petition to show your support for mandatory tethered caps on all water bottles in the United States.

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The Issue
In the United States, plastic waste is a growing environmental issue that affects our oceans, wildlife, and communities. Among the sources of this waste, plastic bottle caps are particularly problematic. They are small, lightweight, and often end up in landfills or worse, in our natural habitats. To combat this, we are calling for legislation that makes it mandatory for all water bottle companies in the US to use tethered caps on their products.
The advantage of tethered caps is clear: they remain attached to the bottle, which significantly reduces the chances of them being littered separately. According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic bottle caps rank as the third most common item found in beach cleanups globally. By implementing tethered caps, we can drastically reduce the number of caps polluting our environment.
Countries like the United Kingdom and members of the European Union have already taken steps towards this by making tethered caps a requirement. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic waste and combat climate change. Adopting such practices would not only place the US alongside these leaders in sustainability but also foster a healthier environment for future generations.
Moreover, tethered caps provide the added benefit of convenience for consumers as it prevents them from losing their bottle caps during activities, promoting a culture of reuse and responsibility.
We urge policymakers to adopt this important measure to help curb the environmental impact of disposable plastics. Your support and signature can make a difference. Let’s push for this necessary change and act together for a cleaner, safer future.
Sign this petition to show your support for mandatory tethered caps on all water bottles in the United States.

22
The Decision Makers

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Petition created on June 1, 2026